Astana talks: Erdogan, Putin to discuss Syrian-Turkish relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attend a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan September 16, 2022. (Reuters)
Syrian regime leader Bashar Assad met with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Special Envoy, Alexander Lavrentiev. During the meeting, Assad expressed Syria’s openness to all initiatives aimed at improving Syrian-Turkish relations, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and the fight against terrorism as foundational principles.
Erdogan is set for intensive diplomatic activities in July, including attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of State and Government Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on July 3-4. During the summit, Erdogan is expected to discuss steps toward normalizing relations with Syria in a meeting with Putin.
Ankara has consistently emphasized its respect for Syria’s territorial integrity, and Erdogan plans to reaffirm Türkiye’s stance on this issue to Putin.
Return of refugees
While it is noted that intelligence services continue to hold discussions for the normalization of Syrian-Turkish relations, the importance of creating suitable conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Syrian refugees will be emphasized. This will be highlighted as a crucial step toward revitalizing the political process based on goodwill and good neighborly relations.
